Missoula Prepares to Close the Johnson Street Shelter

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 7, 2025, the City of Missoula announced it will conduct a phased closure of the Johnson Street Temporary Emergency Shelter, set to begin in April and conclude by August of this year.

According to Communications Director Ginny Merriam, this decision comes after careful evaluation of funding constraints, the effectiveness of the congregate shelter model and the City’s long-term housing goals.  

“The closure is driven by the end of pandemic-era federal funding, with federal relief funds such as CARES Act and ARPA funding no longer available to support emergency shelter operations,” Merriam said. 

“The City of Missoula is not alone in weathering the effects of the end of Covid-era federal funding and uncertainty over future funding,” Mayor Andrea Davis said. “The temporary shelter costs $1.8 million annually to run. As we face growing pressures on the City’s general fund, we must shift our focus to housing-first solutions that provide stability and a pathway out of homelessness, rather than short-term sheltering.”

The Closure Will Begin on April 1

Merriam said the closure will occur in phases, beginning on April 1, with a gradual reduction in the shelter’s nightly capacity.  

“The City and its partners will simultaneously launch a targeted "housing sprint," an intensive, time-limited effort designed to connect shelter residents with permanent housing options and critical support services,” Merriam said. “The housing sprint will include assistance with rental applications, identification, substance use and medical referrals, transportation assistance and housing-focused case management to help individuals transition successfully.” 

The City will also provide relocation assistance when appropriate and work in partnership with local service providers to ensure shelter residents receive the support they need.  

“The City’s commitment to ending homelessness remains unwavering,” Merriam said. “The mayor emphasized that the closure of the Johnson Street Temporary Emergency Shelter is not a step back but part of a broader effort to implement long-term housing solutions.” 

The Goal is to Find Permanent Housing

“While we are sensitive to the challenges of this transition, we are also hopeful and serious about creating opportunities for individuals to find stable, permanent housing and other appropriate solutions,” Mayor Davis said. “Some of the elements of a housing sprint have already proven effective, such as connecting 12 individuals with housing within 60 days through our Housed for the Holidays initiative. We’re confident that sustained and targeted efforts to focus on stable housing solutions will make a difference.”  

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Merriam added that the City is committed to minimizing displacement and maximizing housing placements before the shelter closes completely at the end of August.  

“If any individual is unable to secure housing before the shelter’s final closure, the City will continue to offer resources, including connections to local providers, travel assistance and other support to help individuals transition successfully,” said Merriam. “Visit our web page about the closure at www.ci.missoula.mt.us/closure.”